Electrosurgery for Tonsillectomy

Abstract

Several safe and effective techniques are available for tonsillectomy, including electrosurgery. The choice of method depends on the surgeon's training, comfort with the technology, experience, and impressions concerning morbidity.

Microdebrider vs. electrocautery for tonsillectomy: A meta-analysis

“…The equipment used for dissection may also be used for controlling hemorrhage with gauze compression when it is necessary [15]. Direct contact increased thermal damage to the nearby tissues leading to more complications such as postoperative pain, and dehydration [16]. Microdebrider is an intracapsular tonsillectomy techniques.…”

Subtotal bipolar tonsillectomy does not decrease postoperative pain compared to total monopolar tonsillectomy

“…A capsule of connective tissue separates the tonsillar tissue from these muscular structures. A tonsillectomy is often performed using monopolar cautery, which employs an electrical current to cut the tonsil from its surrounding muscular bed [8].…”

Pediatric Sleep Surgery

“…Electrocautery is typically used for hemostasis. Electrosurgical dissection uses thermal energy to dissect tissues with either a monopolar or bipolar tip with minimal blood loss (35). Post-operative morbidities for these techniques are similar, and include hemorrhage (1.2–2.1%), dysphagia, and otalgia (35).…”